HER Style Podcast – Episode 296
December Q&A: Comfortable Jeans, Petite Outfit Upgrades, Simple Holiday Style, and What to Pack for a Girls' Weekend
Host: Heather Riggs | Air date: December 4, 2025

Episode Overview

Heather Riggs, stylist and image consultant, returns with the final Q&A episode of 2025, tackling highly relatable wardrobe dilemmas submitted by listeners. With her signature warmth and unpretentious expertise, Heather offers clear, practical solutions to: finding truly comfortable jeans, upgrading outfit formulas for petites with curves, making holiday looks special without buying a new wardrobe, and packing smart for girls' weekends. Expect actionable tips, specific product suggestions, and Heather’s gentle reminders to focus on how you feel in your clothes.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Finding All-Day Comfortable Jeans – For Work-From-Home Lifestyles

Listener: Jennifer
Segment Start: 01:22

• The Dilemma:
  After years of living in sweatpants and pajamas as a writer working from home, Jennifer wants to reintroduce jeans but finds them uncomfortable. She seeks solutions for comfort while sitting all day.

• Heather’s Advice:

  • Prioritize Soft, Stretchy Denim:
    Look for blends with 1–2% elastane and materials like Tencel, Lyocell, or Modal for flexibility and comfort.
  • Flexible Waistbands:
    Try contoured, “gap-proof,” or pull-on styles (even jeggings) for maximum comfort. Heather reiterates: “Yes, they exist, and are definitely a game changer for long hours at your desk.” (03:20)
  • Go Relaxed on Fit:
    Wide-leg, straight-leg, or gently tapered cuts lessen discomfort while seated. Still, “fabric is more important than silhouette.”
  • Try These Brands:
    • Athleta (super soft denim)
    • Madewell (especially “soft drape” lines)
    • Everlane (Way High jeans)
    • Spanx (polished pull-on jeans)
    • NYDJ (stretchy, supportive—review for shape retention)
    • Citizens of Humanity and AYR (“Secret Sauce” jeans; investment but super soft)

  “The jeans you wore years ago might not be the jeans that support the season you’re in now. I’d rather you have less but better.” (05:45)

  • Alternatives to Jeans:
    Ponte pants, tailored knit trousers, or soft-structured joggers; try paperbag or elastic waistbands.

2. Upgrading Petite, Curvy Outfits Without Losing Comfort

Listener: Teresa
Segment Start: 08:17

• The Dilemma:
  Petite (5’0”), curvy-hipped Teresa is stuck wearing leggings with long tops, seeking updated, flattering options.

• Heather’s Advice:

  • Proportion Tweaks:
    • Shorten your top: “Try slightly cropped knits, shorter jackets, or cardigans over a fitted tank to draw the eye to your waist and elongate your legs.” (08:50)
    • For longer tops, use a long, open button-down or duster over a shorter under-layer to add length and waist emphasis.
  • Bottoms Upgrade:
    • Swap leggings for slim-fit straight-leg or subtle bootcut pants: “Creates a nice long straight line from hip to ankle.”
    • Try comfort-first materials like ponte knit or wider leg sweats in tailored silhouettes.
  • Color Strategy:
    • Darker bottoms minimize hips, but don’t stick to black unless it suits your palette.
    • Monochrome outfits: “Dress in one color from head to toe to avoid disruptive breaks and visually lengthen your frame.” (10:50)
  • Inspiration & Further Learning:
    • Search for “curvy petite outfit ideas” on Pinterest.
    • Look for models/influencers with similar body types.
    • Listen to Episode 79: “7 Ways to Improve Your Shopping Experience as a Petite Plus Size Woman.”

  “You’re going to need to stay open minded. Try some new things… Just play a little dress-up until you discover combinations that make you feel amazing.” (11:15)

3. Simple, Special Holiday Outfit Solutions Without a Full Capsule

Listener: Cecily
Segment Start: 11:40

• The Dilemma:
  Cecily, whose style words are “dramatic” and “natural,” has “been wearing the same J.Crew Black Watch top every Christmas” for years, but barely attends parties. She wants a festive, dramatic look without building a dedicated holiday wardrobe.

• Heather’s Advice:

  • No Need for a Whole Holiday Capsule:
    “I agree fully, you do not need a whole holiday capsule. There’s just no need for that.” (13:16)
  • Build on Everyday Basics:
    Use your usual “black base” or favorite top/jeans/pants as a starting point.
  • Accessorize for Drama:
    • Add standout costume jewelry (sculptural earrings, bold necklaces)
    • Try metallic, velvet, or patent shoes
    • Use an eye-catching clutch, statement scarf, or hat
    • Go for a holiday red lipstick for instant drama (14:22)
  • Small Investment Pieces:
    If desired, purchase one or two versatile “holiday add-ons” (e.g., velvet blazer, sequin skirt) that can work at other events (date night, birthday).
    • “Think about how you might be able to integrate [an item] into your wardrobe in other occasions… for bonus points!”
  • Overall:
    The key is “making your wardrobe more versatile, adding a little of the drama you love, and helping you feel your very best at the holidays.”

4. Capsule Packing for a Girls’ Weekend – No More Overpacking

Listener: Deanne
Segment Start: 15:30

• The Dilemma:
  Deanne from Canada prepares for a highly variable girls’ weekend with activities from spa outings to hiking to lounging, struggling to pack efficiently—always bringing too much, never the right thing.

• Heather’s Advice:

  • Pick a Tight Color Palette:
    “Hone in on about three hues tops for the weekend to ensure everything mixes and matches with ease… maybe two neutrals and one pop of color.” (16:00)
  • Four Outfit Formula:
    1. Cozy lounge set – for indoor relaxing/movie nights.
    2. Outdoorsy outfit – leggings and fleece, or shorts and tank (seasonal).
    3. Cute-casual outfit – jeans or trousers + pretty sweater, good for outings.
    4. Elevated wild card layer – stylish jacket or blouse to upgrade any look.
  • Mix-and-Match Strategy:
    “With the right color scheme, you could do a lot with the right assortment of wardrobe options.”
  • Packing Rules:
    • Limit to two pairs of shoes: comfy sneaker + elevated flat (loafer/ballet flat).
    • “Wear your bulkiest outfit in the car.”
    • Pack a max of three tops and three bottoms, all interchangeable.
    • Bring one multipurpose outer layer: fleece-lined shacket, hip-length puffer, or wool-blend coat, depending on season and style.
  • Mindset Shift:
    “Don’t pack for every possible scenario—pack for the probabilities, and add one elevated option in case of emergency.” (19:36)
    • If you really forget something: “There are worse things than doing a little shopping on your girl’s getaway!” (21:03)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “The jeans you wore years ago might not be the jeans that support the season you’re in now. I’d rather you have less but better.” – Heather (05:45)
• "Try some new things… Just play a little dress-up until you discover combinations that make you feel amazing.” – Heather (11:15)
• “I agree fully, you do not need a whole holiday capsule. There’s just no need for that.” – Heather (13:16)
• “Go for a holiday red lipstick for instant drama!” – Heather (14:22)
• “Don’t pack for every possible scenario—pack for the probabilities, and add one elevated option in case of emergency.” – Heather (19:36)
• “There are worse things than doing a little shopping on your girl’s getaway!” – Heather (21:03)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 01:22 – Listener Q1: Comfortable Jeans for Working from Home (Jennifer)
• 08:17 – Listener Q2: Petite, Curvy Outfit Upgrades (Teresa)
• 11:40 – Listener Q3: Holiday Dressing That’s Both Dramatic & Practical (Cecily)
• 15:30 – Listener Q4: What & How to Pack for a Girls’ Weekend (Deanne)
• 23:56 – Closing Reflection and Call for Questions

Takeaways

Heather’s guidance is rooted in self-acceptance and meeting yourself where you are today—in life, body, and style. Her Q&A advice offers tangible steps (from specific jeans brands to exact packing formulas), while gently encouraging listeners to experiment, let go of old “rules,” and create room for fun, comfort, and personal flair—whatever the season.

If you’re ready for a wardrobe refresh that works for your real life, this episode delivers actionable solutions without the pressure to overhaul your closet or chase fleeting trends.

Explore more:

• Episode 79: “7 Ways to Improve Your Shopping Experience as a Petite Plus Size Woman”
• Her Style free personal style quiz: https://herstylellc.com/quiz

Submit your own question: https://herstylellc.com/podcast